NASA Astronauts Stranded for Nine Months Speak Out: “SpaceX Saved Us”
In a gripping press conference, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore recounted their unexpected nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) after a critical failure left their Boeing Starliner spacecraft unable to return to Earth. The pair, originally scheduled for only a short stay, found themselves in a prolonged mission that tested their resilience, NASA’s problem-solving abilities, and the limits of human spaceflight. Ultimately, it was SpaceX’s Crew Dragon that came to their rescue, bringing them safely home after months of uncertainty.
A Mission That Was Never Meant to Last
Williams and Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner on July 21, 2024, as part of the spacecraft’s first-ever crewed operational flight to the ISS. The mission, known as the Crew Flight Test (CFT), was meant to be a crucial milestone for Boeing under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, an initiative designed to allow private companies—Boeing and SpaceX—to provide transportation services to and from the ISS.
Originally planned as a short-term mission lasting two weeks, the flight aimed to certify Starliner for future NASA astronaut transport. However, soon after docking with the ISS, the crew discovered a series of critical malfunctions.
Starliner’s Critical Failures
During their stay aboard the ISS, engineers on Earth identified several serious issues with the Starliner spacecraft:
- Thruster Malfunctions: Some of Starliner’s key reaction control thrusters, essential for controlled reentry, failed to function properly.
- Propulsion System Leaks: NASA detected small but concerning helium leaks in the propulsion system, raising fears about its ability to operate safely in the harsh environment of space.
- Software Anomalies: Boeing’s Starliner had already faced software-related glitches in its past test flights, and further investigation revealed new concerns with guidance and navigation systems.
NASA and Boeing engineers worked tirelessly to diagnose and fix the problems, but as weeks turned into months, it became clear that Starliner would not be able to bring the astronauts home safely.
Nine Months in Space: A Test of Endurance
The unexpected delay meant that Williams and Wilmore had to adjust their entire mindset and daily routine, preparing for what turned into a long-duration mission instead of a short stay.
“It was a challenge,” said Suni Williams, a veteran astronaut who had previously spent time on the ISS. “We had to shift our thinking from a short-term visit to a full-fledged long-duration mission. Mentally and physically, that’s a big change.”
The two astronauts integrated into the existing Expedition 71 and 72 ISS crews, assisting with science experiments, maintenance, and spacewalks as they awaited a solution.
“It wasn’t an easy situation,” Wilmore admitted. “But we had a job to do, and the ISS team was incredible in keeping us engaged and supported.”
NASA’s Tough Decision: Calling in SpaceX
With no clear solution for the Starliner’s return capabilities, NASA made the unprecedented decision to call upon SpaceX’s Crew Dragon to bring the astronauts home.
“We explored every possible option to bring Suni and Butch home safely,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson during the press conference. “After months of testing and troubleshooting, we determined that Starliner was not capable of returning them safely. At that point, our priority was getting them back, and SpaceX was the best solution.”
SpaceX, which has successfully flown multiple crews to and from the ISS since 2020, rapidly modified a Crew Dragon capsule to accommodate Williams and Wilmore. The mission was expedited, and on March 15, 2025, the Dragon spacecraft Endurance launched from the Kennedy Space Center, heading to the ISS.
After a successful docking, Williams and Wilmore boarded the Crew Dragon alongside other returning ISS crew members. On March 19, 2025, the spacecraft undocked and made a flawless reentry, splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida.
“The Moment We Felt Gravity Again Was Surreal”
After spending over 270 days in space, the astronauts described their emotional return.
“The moment we felt gravity again was surreal,” said Suni Williams, describing the reentry process. “It was a mix of relief, gratitude, and just the sheer realization of how much time had passed.”
Wilmore echoed her sentiment, emphasizing the pivotal role of SpaceX in ensuring their safe return.
“SpaceX saved us,” Wilmore stated. “They stepped up when we needed them the most, and they executed the mission flawlessly. It’s a testament to their reliability and the importance of having multiple partners in human spaceflight.”
The Fallout: What’s Next for Boeing’s Starliner?
NASA has since announced a comprehensive review of Boeing’s Starliner program, delaying future missions until all identified issues are fully resolved.
“This was not how we wanted Starliner’s first crewed mission to go,” admitted Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “Boeing has a lot of work to do before we can trust this spacecraft with human lives again.”
Boeing, for its part, has apologized for the failures and pledged to address all technical issues before attempting another crewed flight.
“We are fully committed to resolving Starliner’s problems and ensuring it meets NASA’s highest safety standards,” Boeing’s Vice President of Space Exploration John Mulholland stated. “Safety remains our top priority.”
NASA’s Takeaway: Spaceflight Is Always Risky
NASA officials emphasized that while this mission had its challenges, it also highlighted the importance of redundancy in human spaceflight.
“The fact that we had SpaceX’s Crew Dragon available is a testament to why we have multiple providers,” NASA’s Chief of Flight Operations Norm Knight explained. “Spaceflight is hard. Having more than one option can mean the difference between a difficult mission and a tragedy.”
Astronauts Remain Hopeful for the Future
Despite the challenges of the past nine months, Williams and Wilmore remain optimistic about the future of spaceflight.
“We’re explorers,” Williams said. “This mission tested us in ways we never imagined, but it also showed us what’s possible when people work together to solve big challenges.”
Wilmore added, “This experience made us stronger. And I have no doubt that we’ll take what we’ve learned and use it to make future missions even better.”
With Starliner’s future uncertain and SpaceX continuing to dominate crewed missions, NASA is now re-evaluating how it approaches commercial partnerships in spaceflight. One thing is certain—the events of the past nine months will shape the future of human space travel for years to come.
